|
January 13, 1956 - June 4, 2017
Nikitas 'Nick' Tripodes, 61, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2017 at his home in South Pasadena surrounded by his family. Nick was born in Alhambra on January 13, 1956 to Jack and Mary Tripodes, both Greek immigrants who had moved to California after starting their family in Cleveland. By far the youngest of his siblings and cousins, Nick was deeply loved by his extended family. The adoration was mutual and Nick developed a lifelong commitment to his family as well as to the larger Greek-American community. He was active in numerous organizations, including St Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, AHEPA, the Greek Heritage Society of Southern California, and the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood, a fraternal organization of Greeks from his ancestral island of Icaria.
Nick lived his whole life in South Pasadena and he had fond childhood memories of attending Saturday matinees at the Rialto, graduating from South Pasadena High School, and working during summers at Gus's BBQ, the family's business.
He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in anthropology and he later attended the university's School of Dentistry. Nick established his dental practice in Pasadena where he took great pride in the care he provided to his patients throughout his 36-year-long career. He will be remembered by his patients, many of whom became lifelong friends, for his sense of humor, positive attitude, and his gentle technique.
Nick met his wife, Dena, while both were serving on the parish board of St Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena. Nick and Dena were married in 1987. They purchased their home in South Pasadena adjacent to Nick's childhood home where his parents continued to live. Nick was a deeply devoted father and cherished the time he spent with his family. He especially loved spending long weekends and vacations in Santa Barbara, which he considered his second home. He cultivated an appreciation for locally-sourced food and was a staple of Saturday farmers' markets in both Santa Barbara and Pasadena.
Nick is survived by his bride of almost 30 years, Dena; his children Zacharias (SPHS 2009), Marika (SPHS 2011), and Georgia (SPHS 2011); his sister Virginia Tripodes Lappas (SPHS '57) and her family; his brother Peter Tripodes (SPHS '60); and many aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Chapman Funeral Homes, June 5, 2017 http://www.greekobituary.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=4254022&fh_id=13578
|
Karen Veir (Russell)
I remember Nick mostly from Marengo. Such a funny, sweet kind guy. Another sad day for our tiger family.
Kurt Miyatake
Nothing but good memories of interactions with Nick during our time @ SPHS; truly one of those "nice guys" that we wish there were more of in our world. Reading his obituary...sure seems like the phrase, "A life well lived..." is appropriate.
George Ryder
This is very sad news and it leaves me feeling numb. Nick was one of my first three friends in life. He, Raymond Frederick, Kevin Coombs, and I used to rotate whose house we'd have sleepovers on Friday nights during first, second, and third grade. His family would include me in family dinners sometimes, at their restaurant, Gus's Barbecue. He was Nicky until his transition to junior high school when he informed all of us that he was now Nick. Unfortunately we drifted apart as close friends after elementary school, but I did have dinner with him about ten years ago. He had become a successful dentist and was still the same nice guy. I will miss the feeling of knowing that he was there in South Pasadena if I ever needed him as a friend, one on whom I could depend. I hope he has entered a new life where wonders await him. In loving memory...
Kathleen Ehlig (Riedel)
So very sad that Nick is no longer here with us. My strongest memories are from Mr. Johnson's math class in 12th grade. He was very smart, had a big smile, appreciated good jokes, a cheery diposition, an all around nice guy. When I moved back to South Pasadena in 2002 through 2005 there were times when I got to visit with him, his wife and family at the "Junior High"/Middle school as our sons had become friends and class mates. He was a respected professional. He will be greatly missed.
Stacy McLaughlin (Belanger)
It is so heartbreaking to know that Nick's humor, kindness, and happy spirit won't be gracing this planet anymore! My prayers go to his family and friends. Even my daughter, who hasn't met him, was sad to hear, because I've shared with my children some of Nick's and my running jokes we had in the halls of So Pas. We've thumbed through my yearbooks several times over the years and they always laugh over all the times he signed my yearbooks with jokes, pictures, and aliases! At least 8 times in my senior one! He was an intelligent and intelligently funny guy.
Bye Nick
Jeanne Barton (Todd)
So very sad to hear about Nick. I too, like Karen, remember him best from Marengo. I will always think of him as Nicky. My prayers to his family.
Cindy Geithman (Sielen)
My condolences to the family and Nick is going to be amidst spirit in this world. I just happened to be looking in the back pages of our copa de Oro yearbook where he was in one of the ads that we did as seniors. Rest in peace buddy all of us will be holding you up in True Tiger memory.